Magic Weisner Leads Ohio Derby Field

Scrappy Magic Weisner, who finished a fast-charging second to War Emblem in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), leads a compact field of five in Saturday's $300,000 Ohio Derby (gr. II) at Thistledown.

The Ohio Derby marks the first start for the Nancy Alberts-trained Magic Weisner since finishing fourth in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). He is the field's leading earner with a $493,110 career bankroll, and a win in the Ohio Derby could give him the distinction of becoming the first gelding to win the race since 1965. Magic Weisner will break from gate four and was installed as the even-money favorite.

Challenging Magic Weisner will be the speedy Wiseman's Ferry, who is expected to set a lively pace in 1 1/8-mile Ohio Derby. The Niall O' Callaghan trainee will be making his first start since finishing ninth in the Belmont Stakes, where he set a quick early pace, but faded after half-mile. Wiseman's Ferry, winner of the Lone Star Derby (gr. III) will break from post five and is listed at 9-5, the second choice.

The Tony Reinstedler-trainer Peekskill could be another one to watch Saturday. His last five starts have been at 1 1/8-miles, which resulted in two third-place finishes in the Florida Derby (gr. I) and the Lone Star Derby, as well as an allowance race at Churchill Downs. Breaking from gate three, Peekskill is listed at 9-2 and breaks from gate three.